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For more than 100 years the Society of Professional Journalists has been dedicated to encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced more freely and fully, stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism and perpetuating a free press.

About the Foundation

Since its founding in 1961, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has promoted excellence and ethics in journalism. The SDX Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that supports the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists and serves the professional needs of journalists and students pursuing careers in journalism.

Excellence in Journalism 2015Sept 18-20, 2015 – Orlando

Excellence in Journalism is the national journalism conference of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Radio Television Digital News Association. Join us in September in Orlando for training, networking, workshops and more!

SPJ News

SPJ Blogs: Newest Posts

Quill Headlines

Journalist's Toolbox

@SPJ_Tweets

Connect with SPJ

SPJ on Facebook

Upcoming Eventsand Deadlines

Become an SPJ Member

For more than 100 years the Society of Professional Journalists has been dedicated to encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced more freely and fully, stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism and perpetuating a free press.

About the Foundation

Since its founding in 1961, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has promoted excellence and ethics in journalism. The SDX Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that supports the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists and serves the professional needs of journalists and students pursuing careers in journalism.

Excellence in Journalism 2015Sept 18-20, 2015 – Orlando

Excellence in Journalism is the national journalism conference of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Radio Television Digital News Association. Join us in September in Orlando for training, networking, workshops and more!

“This was a monumental step toward protecting journalists from overly aggressive federal agencies who would bankrupt or jail journalists for just doing their jobs,” said David Cuillier, president of SPJ. “Now I hope the Senate and House approve the bill so journalists report without threat of prison.”

The shield law, if approved by Congress, would protect journalists against federal subpoenas demanding the identities of confidential sources or other information. Nearly every state has some shield protections for journalists, but there is no federal statute. Hundreds of journalists face federal subpoenas every year, and some have been jailed for months for their refusal to name their sources.

One of the most significant changes to the bill was a change to the definition of a journalist that SPJ endorsed.

The bill as passed would provide broad protections for “covered journalists,” including freelancers, college journalists, bloggers and people disseminating information for the public good on news websites. It also protects national security, excluding terrorists and groups like WikiLeaks. A key “safety valve” was also added that allows a judge to make the ultimate decision if a journalist who may not otherwise be covered will be extended the protections provided by the legislation.

“Defining ‘journalist’ is tricky business, particularly since anyone has a right to commit acts of journalism in this country,” Cuillier said. “But the reality is government leakers and sources expose wrongdoing by seeking out working journalists, not working baristas or chiropractors. In this country, problems exposed are problems solved, and we are confident that this definition will give journalists the protection they so desperately need.”

SPJ appreciates the leadership of Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) in bringing the bill to a vote and the work of Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) in reaching a compromise on the definition of a journalist. The bill will now progress to the full Senate for a vote.

“We hope citizens and journalists everywhere let their congressional representatives know the law will help protect the free flow of information in this nation,” Cuillier said. “We have never been this close to a federal shield law, and it’s time to seal the deal on protecting journalists and democracy.”

Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed citizenry; works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists; and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press. For more information about SPJ, please visit www.spj.org.